Explore the world of travel and music

Electronic publishing class

Explore the world of travel and music

COLOMBIA!!!

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What is Colombia?

Pueden dividirse en dos grandes tipos: música del interior y música de los litorales Atlántico y Pacífico. En la del interior hay dos grandes grupos: andina y llanera; la de los litorales se diferencia netamente entre atlántica y pacífica. En ambas vertientes se encuentran rasgos de la cultura española, africana y amerindia. En la música andina suelen predominar las cuerdas: guitarra, tiple y bandola, aunque se han agregado violín, flauta y otros; en la llanera, los instrumentos principales son el arpa llanera y el cuatro; en la música de los litorales predominan las percusiones.

Entre los géneros de música andina sobresalen el bambuco, el pasillo, el torbellino, la guabina y el bunde, que tiene varias formas y hace de puente entre los ritmos andinos y los del Pacífico. Entre los géneros de música influenciada por otras corrientes grandes, caribeñas y anglosajonas, principalmente. La gran cantidad y diversidad de influencias han constituido a la música colombiana como una de las más ricas de la región, llevando en años recientes a la exportación de gran cantidad de ar

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tistas, reconocidos no solo a nivel latinoamericano sino de talla mundial, tales como: Shakira, Juanes, Carlos Vives, Joe Arroyo, Rafael Orozco Maestre, entre otros. En las músicas caribeñas se encuentran la cumbia, el mapalé, el bullerengue, el porro, el vallenato, y el calipso en el Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina. Si bien son originarios de otros países, varios géneros latinoamericanos se han afianzado en Colombia, convirtiéndose bien en parte del folclore tradicional.

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En Medellín se observa un interesante escenario de apropiación de varios ritmos extranjeros,1 por ejemplo la cultura argentina, por medio del tango, desde la muerte en aquella ciudad de Carlos Gardel, conocido como “el zorzal criollo” en un accidente aéreo. El Barrio Manrique, y en especial la calle 45, con su Casa Museo Gardeliana, ofrece a los visitantes la posibilidad de deleitarse con discos, obras y recuerdos de los más grandes exponentes de este género musical. Entre el ciudadano de a pie de Medellín, existe la costumbre jocosa de decir: “No se sabe de dónde es Gardel, unos dicen que de Francia, otros de Uruguay y algunos de Argentina, lo cierto es que sí se sabe dónde pasó a la eternidad, dónde se hizo leyenda, en Medellín”, luego llegó el auge del rock, iniciando con bandas como Kraken y Ekhymosis. “. Si bien El Club del Clan fue un programa colombiano de radio que después pasó a la televisión y que se dedicaba a impulsar nuevas estrellas de la canción, el programa tomó su nombre de un espacio de la televisión argentina con idéntica función. El Club del Clan empezó en 1966 como espacio radial en Radio Todelar. Gracias al cual surgieron figuras como Mariluz, Vicky, Óscar Golden, Harold, Jairo

Alberto Bocanegra Colombia y Esperanza Acevedo. El director del programa era Guillermo Hinestroza, quien también le abrió la puerta a otras voces como Claudia de Colombia (Gladys Caldas) y Emilse. Este grupo de artistas hacían parte de lo que se conoció como la generación ye-yé. El programa de televisión era simplemente el complemento al programa radial ya que conservaba el formato de nuevas figuras y estas se intercambiaban saliendo en ambos medios. Se mantuvo hasta 1969 emitiéndose cuatro veces a la semana presentado por hermano Eduardo Sarmiento y Álvaro Sarmiento. Finalizado el programa y la onda ye-yé, los artistas que habían nacido a raíz del El Club del Clan se disgregaron y comenzaron carreras independientes. Muchos de ellos se inclinaron principalmente por un nuevo movimiento llegado de Europa, principalmente de España e Italia llamado la balada romántica y tal vez fue allí en donde algunos como Claudia de Colombia encontraron su máxima fama. Otros como Jairo Alberto Bocanegra2 grabaron con la CBS o como es el caso de Los Speakers se redirigieron hacia el rock que era una corriente musical menos influyente en el panorama nacional..

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Los tambores en la noche son como un grito humano.

Trémulos de música les he oído gemir, cuando esos hombres que llevan la emoción en las manos les arrancan la angustia de una oscura saudade, de una íntima añoranza, donde vigila el alma dulcemente salvaje de mi vibrante raza, con sus siglos mojados en quejumbres de gaitas. Tambores en la noche, Jorge Artel.

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Why Colombia?

Precisamente, la conciencia de identidad cultural, popular, mestiza y étnica que forjó Jorge Artel en su literatura, se relaciona directamente con el pensamiento de Zapata Olivella. Ambos escritores se sienten herederos de una tradición milenaria que se encuentra en los rasgos culturales más importantes de las comunidades a las que pertenecieron y conocieron. En el caso de étnico, se comprende su significación de relativo a una raza o nación (en este caso negra y colombiana), junto a los planteamientos del escritor loriqueño en Las claves mágicas de América, en relación con el mestizaje. Manuel Zapata define el uso de etnia y los motivos por los cuales la utiliza en la nota explicatoria a la segunda edición: “el concepto de “etnia” que alude a la igualdad biológica de todos los hombres descendientes del mismo tronco

genético, y la diversidad de sus realizaciones culturales.” (ZAPATA, 1989, p. 5) En este sentido, etnia y etnicidad se referirán a las realizaciones sociales y culturales que se consideran surgidas de una misma raíz humana, y se desvinculan de connotaciones racistas, discriminatorias o clasistas. Con respecto a la concepción de mestizaje en ambos autores, es bueno recordar que el primer concurso literario que ganó Manuel Zapata fue en el bachillerato con un ensayo titulado El mestizaje americano. Jorge Artel era el jurado del concurso, y ambos coincidieron en que éste sería el tema central de sus obras. Los dos escritores insistieron en ser mestizos (indomulatos para Artel o triétnicos para Zapata Olivella) y que su obra estaba permeada por la presencia de tres sangres y herencias: la indígena, la africana y la hispana. La música tradicional, como la poesía negra, posee una conciencia étnica y estética, incluso social, que retoma la literatura.

BRASIL

“Brazilian carnival is an iconic cultural event known for its vibrant music and energetic atmosphere. The combination of music and traveling during the Brazilian carnival creates a unique experience for both locals and tourists alike.”

“The origins of Brazilian carnival can be traced back to European traditions brought to Brazil by Portuguese colonizers. Over time, it evolved and incorporated elements of African and Indigenous cultures, creating a unique and diverse celebration. The carnival is deeply rooted in music, dance, elaborate costumes, and street parties.”

“Music plays a central role in the carnival festivities. Samba, a popular music genre in Brazil, is the heartbeat of carnival. Samba music is characterized by its lively rhythm, catchy melodies, and energetic percussion. It’s impossible to imagine carnival without the sound of samba filling the streets. Samba schools, which are social organizations dedicated to samba and carnival, prepare all year long to present their elaborate performances during the carnival parades. These performances involve intricately choreographed dances, vibrant costumes, and, of

course, live samba music.”

“Traveling during the Brazilian carnival allows you to immerse yourself in the festivities and experience the cultural richness of different regions. The most famous carnival takes place in Rio de Janeiro, where millions of people gather to enjoy the parades, parties, and street celebrations. The Sambadrome, a specially designed stadium, becomes the epicenter of the carnival as samba schools showcase their talents through breathtaking performances.colour!”

Vladimir Soares

“In addition to the organized parades, street parties known as “blocos” are an integral part of the carnival experience. Blocos are spontaneous gatherings of people who come together to dance, sing, and celebrate in the streets. They can range from small, neighborhood gatherings to large-scale events attracting thousands of participants. Each bloco typically has its own theme, music, and costume style, creating a diverse and festive atmosphere throughout the city.”

visable to make reservations well ahead of time. It’s also important to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings, as large crowds can attract pickpockets and other opportunistic individuals.”

“Other cities in Brazil also have their unique carnival traditions. Salvador, in the state of Bahia, is known for its Afro-Brazilian influence and trio elétrico, large trucks equipped with sound systems and live bands that drive through the streets, creating a massive mobile party. Olinda and Recife, in the state of Pernambuco, have a more traditional carnival, with frevo music and colorful costumes, and the streets filled with enthusiastic revelers.”

“Brazilian carnival is not only a time of celebration but also a reflection of the country’s cultural diversity, history, and social issues. It is an opportunity for Brazilians to showcase their creativity, craftsmanship, and passion for music and dance. The festival promotes inclusivity, unity, and the spirit of joy and revelry.”

“While traveling during the Brazilian carnival can be an incredible experience, it’s important to plan in advance. Accommodation and transportation can be challenging due to the high demand, so it’s ad-

“Attending the Brazilian carnival is an unforgettable experience for music and travel enthusiasts alike. The combination of vibrant music, dazzling costumes, and the contagious energy of the crowds make it a truly unique cultural celebration that showcases the diversity and joy of Brazilian culture. Visitors witness firsthand the exuberance and contagious energy of this cultural extravaganza. It is an event that combines music, dance, art, and community, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to be part of it.”

JAPAN

The history of music in Japan is rich and varied, from its traditional folk music to JPop’s global takeover.

Here’s our overview of the different forms and instruments used in traditional Japanese music, many of which are showcased in our Sounds Of Japan collection.

Classical Japanese Music

Historically, Japanese folk music was strongly influenced by music from China, with some of its forms being imported from China more than a thousand years ago.

Many popular Japanese musical instruments originated in China and were then adapted to meet local needs.

Traditional Japanese Music

Traditional Japanese music usually refers to Japan’s historical folk music. Two forms are recognised as the oldest forms - shōmyō, or Buddhist chanting, and gagaku, or theatrical court music.

ny by a group of Buddhist monks – literally translated, the word ‘shōmyō’ combines the characters for ‘voice’ and ‘wisdom’.

Shōmyō & Gagaku

Shōmyō is a ritual music sung in a Buddhist ceremo-

Gagaku is the oldest of Japan’s musical traditions and includes dances and songs in two styles – kigaku, which is instrumental music, and seigaku, a form of vocal music.

Mount Fuji and Cherry blossoms from Lake Kawaguchi Japan

Kabuki & Noh

There are several Japanese dramatic forms in which music plays a significant role. The main ones are kabuki and noh.

Kabuki is known for its highly stylised dancing and singing, together with its elaborate make-up (sported by a predominantly male cast). Noh is a form of classical Japanese musical drama which has been performed since the 14th century. Noh is often based on tales from traditional literature, with a supernatural being transformed into human form as a hero narrating the story –usually involving a mask being worn.

Instrumental Japanese Music

Traditional Japanese music is meditative in character, with highly ritualised performance – sharing much in common with martial arts, and other Japanese art forms such as the tea ceremony and calligraphy.

Noh has been dubbed ‘Japanese opera’ and is a ‘chanted dra ma’, but the singing is dependent on a limited tonal range. The music has many blank spaces (ma) between the sounds; the negative blank spaces are in fact considered to be the heart of the music.

The accompaniment is provided by a hayashi ensemble of three drummers and a flautist.

Japanese Music Instruments

The key instruments used to play Japanese music are: Shamisen Shakuhachi Koto

The shamisen resembles a guitar, with a long, thin neck and a small rectangular body covered with skin. It has three strings, with the pitch adjusted by tuning pegs on the head, like a guitar or violin.

It’s played with a large triangular plectrum that’s used to strike the strings. The shamisen makes some of the best japanese violin music.

The shakuhachi is a flute made of bamboo that’s played by blowing on one end.

Sometimes called a ‘five-holed bamboo flute’ in English, it has four holes on the front, and one on the back, and is characterised by its distinctively

poignant tone. Historians think the koto was invented around the fifth to the third century BC in China, with the 13-stringed version coming to Japan during the Nara period (710-794).

Of these traditional instruments, the koto is probably the most familiar and popular. During the New Year holidays ‘Haru no Umi,’ a duet with the shakuhachi, is often piped in as background music, and during the cherry blossom (sakura) season, the popular tune ‘Sakura, Sakura’ is performed on the koto.

For a great introduction, have a listen to:

The Yoshida Brothers

Their debut album sold over 100,000 copies and since then they’ve toured the US and recorded an album in Los Angeles, attracting international fans. Their music was also used in the TV commercial for Nintendo’s Wii. Their style pushes the shamisen’s sound from traditional music into jazz, experimental music, rock ‘n’ roll and pop.

The Nenes

Explore these different aspects of Japanese music culture with our shamisen, shakuhachi and koto tracks.

Traditional Japanese Artists

Many of the popular musicians playing the traditional music of Japan release albums and tour globally, bringing their music to a Western audience.

The Nenes (‘sisters’ in Okinawan) are four women who sing Okinawan folk songs, performing on traditional instruments and in traditional costumes and reflecting the history of Japanese music. Ryuichi Sakamoto recorded with them and took them on a European tour in the mid-1990s, which gave their music global recognition.

Kodō

Kodō are one of the elite taiko drumming groups and have been a major force in the post-World War

II revitalisation of taiko drumming, regularly touring.

https://www.audionetwork.com/content/the-edit/inspiration/history-of-japanese-music

Their shows also include other traditional Japanese instruments, such as the shamisen, together with traditional dance and vocal performances.

We have a wide variety of Japanese music in our catalogue – from the traditional to the contemporary sounds of J-pop. One of our featured composers and artists is Joji Hirota.

award by the UK Japanese Embassy for his contribution to musical activity outside of Japan in recognition for his achievements in a three-decade long career.

Traditional Japanese music is the folk or traditional music of Japan. There are three types of traditional music in Japan: theatrical, court music (called gagaku), and instrumental.

Born in Hokkaido, Joji is a multi-percussionist, shakuhachi player, singer and Taiko drummer.

He founded Joji Hirota and the Taiko Drummers and was awarded the Ambassador’s commendation

Theatrical

Japan has several theatrical forms of drama in which music plays a significant role. The main forms are kabuki and noh.

Noh or nōgak music is a type of theatrical music. Noh music is played by an instrumental ensemble called hayashi-kata. The instruments used are the taiko stick drum, a big hourglass shaped drum called the ōtsuzumi, a smaller hourglass shaped drum called the kotsuzumi, and a bamboo flute called the nohkan. The hayashi ensemble is performed along with yokyoku, vocal music, in noh theater. The koto is considered the national instrument of Japan and is thought to have arrived in Japan

Itsukushima Jinja Otorii (Grand Torii Gate)

Kabuki is a type of Japanese theatre. It is known for its highly stylized dancing and singing as well as the elaborate make-up worn by the predominately all male cast. The first instances of kabuki used the hayashi from noh performances. Later on, kabuki began incorporating other instruments like the shamisen.

Court Music Gagaku is court music, and is the oldest traditional music in Japan. Gagaku music includes songs, dances, and a mixture of other Asian music. Gagaku has two styles; these are instrumental music kigaku and vocal music seigaku..

Japanese pop music, or J-Pop, is popular all around the world thanks to movies, anime and the internet. But did you know Japan also has an incredibly rich and long history of traditional music and theatre?

Traditional Japanese music, or hōgaku, has roots in China, but developed its own distinct sounds and customs over time.

Introduction to traditional Japanese music

Traditional Japanese music generally includes gagaku, or classical imperial court music, and shōmyō, a type of Buddhist chant. Gagaku is the oldest music tradition in Japan and entered Japan as Chinese court music

early in the 10th century. Shōmyō originates from Chinese versions of Indian Vedic chants, which are the verbal expressions of hymns from ancient scriptures of Hinduism.

Japan has variety of music genres include J-pop, J-rock, J-hip hop, Japanese reggae, Japanese Jazz, Japanoise, Anime Music, Game music, Traditional Minyo, Traditional Wadaiko, Traditional Kagura, Traditional Dengaku, Traditional Gagaku and so on. Traditional Japanese music generally includes gagaku, or classical imperial court music, and shōmyō, a type of Buddhist chant. As seen, it has a wide varity.

Golden trumpet lying

UNITED STATES

Jazz is a style of music with roots in ragtime and the blues that developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the African-American neighborhoods of New Orleans, Louisiana. It has been acknowledged as a significant form of musical expression in both traditional and popular music since the Jazz Age of the 1920s.

Image retrieved from Mathieu Gauss Music (https://www.mathieugauss.com/index.php/blog/199-a-discussion-ofthe-emergence-of-blues-and-jazz-music-in-social-context)

Around the 1860s, the Deep South of the United States saw the birth of the blues, a musical style, and genre. Blues included African-American cultural elements such as religious songs, work songs, field chants, and rhythmical narrative ballads.

Image retrieved from “Dr. SaxLove“

Western String Music is a genre of ballroom music that utilizes many string instruments to produce a very wesetern sound. Horns are also not an uncommon instrument found in Western String Music.

Some of the most known artisits and bacnd of Western Swing Music inculde The Light Crust Doughboys, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Milton Brown and His Musical Brownies, Spade Cooley and His Orchestra, and Hank Thompson And His Brazos Valley Boys.

Image retrieved from PBS(https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/country-music/ western-swing-branches-of-country-music)

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Snyder Chamber (https://www.snyderchamber.org/events/2023-west-texas-western-swing-festival)

Bluegrass Instruments Bearings

The 1940s saw the development of the American roots music genre known as “bluegrass” in the Appalachian region of the country. Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, a band, gave the genre its name. Bluegrass is characterized by its more syncopated (off-beat) rhythm, with its relatively high-pitched tenor (lead) vocals, tight harmonies, and a strong influence of jazz and blues.

Some of the most known or popular bands of Bluegrass are the Foggy Mountain Boys, the Osborne Brothers, and the Lonesome River Band.

Image retrieved from (https://www.bluegrassjourney.com/popular-bluegrassbands/) The Blue Grass Boy

Image retrieved (https://www.explorebigsky.com/respecting-the-roots-ofbluegrass-music/20321) Two Bit Franks

Tejano music, also known as Tex-Mex music, is a popular music style fusing Mexican and US influences. Typically, Tejano combines Mexican Spanish vocal styles with dance rhythms from Czech and German genres – particularly polka or waltz. Accordions, bajo sextos, bass, and drums as well as keyboards and horns are instruments commonly found in Tejano Music

Image retrieved from (http://latinmusicusa.lunchbox.pbs.org/wgbh/ latinmusicusa/music/tejano/)

Some of the most known names in Tejano music are Selena, Emilio Navaira, La Mafia, and Bobby Pulido.

Image retrieved from (https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Queen-of-Tejano-Music-Selena/Silvia-Lopez/9781499811421)

Image retrieved from (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NX3qeWfZsg)

FRANCE

France is known all around the world for Paris and its monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame cathedral. French people are very passionate about their culture and art, which is showcased in many museums like the Louvre. French cuisine is internationally renowned, from bread and macaroons to wine and champagne.

The Palace of Versailles is a wonder of French baroque architecture and one of the top things to see in France on any holiday to Paris.

Visit the fabulous rooms and halls inside the Palace, home to three French kings and their courts. Then explore the magnificent French-style gardens, with beautiful fountains and grooves, and the grounds around the Grand Canal, perhaps on two wheels or on a rowboat.

The Normandy D-day Landing Beaches is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. However, if you have the time, explore the area on a multi-day road trip to visit the beaches and some war cemeteries and memorials.

Spending a royal night in a French château is one of the unique things to do in France. France is home to more than 40,000 châteaux of all periods and styles. Some of these French châteaux are home to nobles or rich people, while others have been beautifully restored and turned into boutique hotels, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway in France.

Mont Saint-Michel -Island

Daft Punk is established as one of the ost influential artists of this century. The french duo composed by Thomas Bangalter & Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. These two individuals created the artist daft punk, which was famous for its interesting helmets covering their identitiy their entire carreer. The french electronic duo are considered to be the most influential artists of the dance genre, techno, and in generral electornic music. The duo began in 1993 and achieved popularities in the late 90’s by using elements of french house, funk, disco, techno, and rock. What made daft punk, whas

that nobody ever heard this type of music in their life. The first studio album released by daft punk was Homework (1997) with one of the most famous songs being ‘Around the World.’ Their first worldwide hit was released as part of the album ‘Discovery’ in 2001, the songs name was ‘One More Time’ and now has more than half a billion streams in spotify. The robotos whose identity wasnt known, where breaking charts and changing the world. Aside from their influence in various music genres, daft punk made dance music a global phenomenom .Festivals and concerts now included DJ’s as one of the main acts in the show. One of Daft Punk’s most influential tours was in 2007, titled the “Alive” tour. The two robots performed their show in a pyramid with visual graphics. To you, seeinf big screens with cool visuals in a concert is now normal, Daft Punk was the first to do it. This was also influential because visual effects were controlled by them aswell, making the music and the visuals in screens to be in sink the entire show. The duo created a movement, unlike ever seen before in the dance music genre. People felt identified with their robotic personalities, truly a one of a kind artist. Lasting over 28 years, daft punk even managed to make

Daft Punk

the soundtrack of a disney movie named ‘Tron’.

This furthered Daft Punk’s influence as no one did a movie soundtrack based on dance music and techno. You can now see the inmense influence these legends had on the 21st century. In 2006, Daft Punk made history when Coachella paid them a ton of money to play the festival, and prove to everyone just how ahead of the game they really were. No one could have imagined that the duo would arrive in a glowing pyramid — flanked by brilliant geometric colors, backed by a giant LED screen — to blow everyone’s minds.

This was before the rise of YouTube, so it wasn’t even like people knew it happened after it happened. I had no idea what I was in for when I saw them a few months later in Miami at now defunct-festival called Bang! Like that Coachella crowd several months prior, I have never again experienced one crowd dancing in utter awe, everyone on the same page of love, astonishment and exuberance. (I did actually get to see it “one more time” at Lollapalooza 2007. I bought a t-shirt that I won’t even wear anymore because I’m afraid it’ll become too faded.) Daft Punk expertly mixed their three-album catalog into a mega mash-up of perfection. The sum was greater than its parts. It was an audio-visual revelation, and it was the high point of a concept that will likely never be repeated. an electronic act had never appeared onstage with such a massive stage production. After they did it, everyone else wanted one, with the duo essentially (and literally) setting the stage for the oversized and increasingly complex stage productions seen during the EDM explosion in the states in the 2010s and beyond. Skrillex built a spaceship. Deadmau5 erected a glowing cube. Avicii played from atop a giant head. Pyro and confetti blasts

Daft Punk - electronic duo

became standard operating procedure for every electronic mainstage. The Sahara tent at Coachella where Daft Punk first unveiled the pyramid became ground zero for dance music’s surging popularity in the new decade Then they started working on a new and (apparently) final album. For this, Homem-Christo and Bangalter gathered their heroes, from Giorgio Moroder to Nile Rodgers, in a studio to record new riffs and rhythms – no longer relegated to sampling the greats of the past, and now having become “the greats” themselves. The product of those sessions, Random Access Memories, is cinematic and grandiose — and by their standards, organic-sounding, a major departure from the heavy synth sounds of Human After All and Alive 2007. It took people by surprise, but it

should not have: Daft Punk gave birth to the trend, but they were never enslaved to it. Though the public took time to catch up to Human After All, they embraced Random Access Memories in real time: The set received rave reviews and chart-topping sales, while the Pharrell-sung lead single “Get Lucky” became an era-defining global smash, peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and bringing the group to pop radio and even wedding dancefloors like never before. Daft Punk would get to take a victory lap at the 2014 Grammys, where they performed with Pharrell, Rodgers and Stevie Wonder, and took home four trophies, including record of the year for “Get Lucky” and album of the year for RAM. The legendary duo announced in February 22nd of 2021 that they were splitting up, putting an end to 28 years of one of the greatest acts in the music industry and it definetly feels weird to talk about Daft Punk in past tense. We may know a lot about Daft Punk, but we don’t know what they’re thinking. However, we should all know and recognize by now that Daft Punk owes us nothing — because they already gave us everything, and that’s not a bad deal at all.

Alive 2007

A cool thing about Amsterdam – and perhaps a lesser known fact – is that the city is small enough (roughly 740,000 locals inhabit its central area) that visitors can get a real feel for its people, neighborhoods, sights and secrets. Compared to sprawling Paris and London, this European capital is more of a village – and visitors can see nearly all of it on a bike ride, walking tour or public transportation in just a few days. This accessibility means you’ll spend your time making memories instead of making sense of an overwhelming itinerary to see too much in too little time.

1. Museums

Amsterdam is drenched in history so it’s no surprise that you’ll find some of the best museums and galleries in Europe here, including the famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Museum Square. Containing over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and letters from Van Gogh, it’s the largest collection of the artist’s work in the world – and well worth a visit.

2. Flowers

With tulips being the Netherlands’ national flower, you can expect to see them all over the city. Head to Keukenhof, only 30 mins away from the city, a famous flower show which runs between MarchMay.

https://www.contexttravel.com/blog/articles/tulips-in-amsterdam-and-keukenhof-the-garden-of-europe

3. Canals

Amsterdam isn’t called the “Venice of the North” for nothing – the city has 165 canals spanning more than 60 miles (and 1281 bridges – three times that of Venice!) Built during the 17th century when Amsterdam was a small fishing town, the canal ring was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Cruising Amsterdam’s canals, whether by private boat or traditional canal cruise, is a must do.

There are 881,000 bicycles on the city’s streets –that’s four times the number of cars. Amsterdam boasts 165 canals, which is more than you’ll find in Venice. Head to where Herengracht and Reguliersgracht intersect and it’s possible to see 15 of the city’s 1,281 bridges at the same time. The canal ring is a 17th century semicircle of waterways lined by merchant houses, the narrowest of which is at Singel 7. In 1662 the three canals were extended, giving Amsterdam’s canal belt the famous half-moon shape. The Canal Belt includes Singel (not to be confused with Singelgracht) which encircled the medieval city of Amsterdam and served as a moat from 1480 until 1585.

https://www.yourdutchguide.com/canal-villages-in-the-netherlands/

Dutch music

https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-netherlands-music-image2845326

https://amsterdamian.com/see/photos/medieval-alkmaar-kaeskoppen-

Music: Features, Genres.

Art music and Jazz. With Amsterdam as both the national capital and artistic soul of the Netherlands, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the National Ballet, and the Netherlands Dance Theater take center stage. The Early Music Festival of Utrecht is known for its concerts featuring medieval and Renaissance music. The North Sea Jazz Festival in the Hague is world-renowned. The Holland Festival in Amsterdam is the most important annual presentation of the new programming season of contemporary Dutch performance arts.Folk music. The Dutch style of folk music generally has a strong bass line and a cheerful melody.

The tempo of the music is usually slow though the music is meant for dances. The famous Dutch “clogs” have a musical function in that they supplement percussion instruments. Folk music engendered somewhat of a revival in the 1970’s (as in the States) though was supplanted by a stronger interest in pop music after 1974. Dutch folk music, is characterized by simple straightforward bass motives heavily supplemented with fast, often happy, melody. (Click here for an example.) Uncommon among other European folk, in Dutch music the bass line, not the melody, is the musical line that is danced to.

Pop Music. Often the country’s biggest names are mistaken overseas for being British, American, or German as it is not in the Dutch tradition to be overtly nationalistic. The neutral tendency may also be related to the Dutch talent of inhaling international influences and incorporating them into Dutch popular music. From the aggressive 60s psych-rock to today’s heavily accented dancefloor techno, the prevailing story of Dutch pop music is its ability to steal and revitalize. The Pinkpop and Low Lands festivals are two major events for popular music.

https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/topsongs-dutch-dance-music-festi

The Netherlands is the home ground to some of the greatest DJs of all time and Dutch festivals have a reputation for being well organized and an absolute blast. You can expect names like Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, Afrojack, Hardwell, and Oliver Heldens (for EDM fans at least). What more could convince you that the Netherlands’ festivals are the best music celebrations out there, hands down.

https://www.roughguides.com/articles/the-nether

Dutch folk music, is characterized by simple straightforward bass motives heavily supplemented with fast, often happy, melody. Traditional Dutch music consists of simple melodies and rhymes that focus on central emotional themes like loneliness, happiness, and sadness. Today, popular culture is fixated on Nederpop (pop music), electronic/ trance, and Nederhop (Dutch Hip-Hop). Uncommon among other European folk, in Dutch music the bass line, not the melody, is the musical line that is danced to. dances.

United Kingdom

The-Beatles

The United Kingdom has a large variety of music, with a wide range of genres and styles that allows exploration of the variety. Iconic bands and musicians are home to the United Kingdom, making it a top destination for music lovers. For starters, the UK has been home to the classical rock gender, presenting bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Queen and Pink Floyd. Music lovers can visit the musical history of these iconic bands and musicians when visiting the UK. For example, you can visit Abbey Road, the iconic road The Beat-

les crossed, creating one of the greatest album covers.

The United Kingdom has also produces large amounts of British Pop artists. These vary from singing groups like The Spice Girls and One Direction to singers like Adele and Ed Sheeran. Some areas associated with these artists include London, Liverpool and Manchester. If you like One Direction, you can also visit Ireland, the birth-home of one of the band members, Niall Horan.

Apart from this, you can also visit the United Kingdoms vibrant music festivals, such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds Festival, Isle of Wight Festival and T in the Park.

One Direction - Pop band

Glastonbury Festival - Music festival

Spice Girls

Old Metropolitan Opera House - Historical landmark

Classical music is also famous in the United Kingdom, since the country has a rich heritage of it. Orchestras, famous opera houses and prestigious music institutions all make up part of this heritage. Some opera houses include Garsington Opera, Nevill Holt Opera and the Royal Opera House. One can also see performances at the Royal Albert Hall and visit the birthplace of famous composers like Edward Elgar and Benjamin Britten.

Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House- Classical Music Concert

We invite you to come explore and listen.

This book explores the world of new experiences and cultures. Music creates strong sound memories. It complements the experience of travel since travel is the perception of impressions by all the senses. To get the most out of your trip, you need to take in the sights, taste the local cuisine, smell the different surroundings, and hear the pleasant music.